As the spring equinox approaches, most winter sports programs are in the final stages of their respective seasons. The 2024-25 season has been a mixed bag, with the high of an ACC Championship in the pool and the low of disappointing defeats on the hardwood. While winter still continues its waning hours, a few sports writers share some final thoughts.
Which Cavalier is the MVP of the winter sports season?
Xander Tilock, Sports Editor: How could it possibly be anyone other than Gary Martin? The junior speedster for track and field just led the men’s distance medley relay unit to a national title, and he placed second in the 3000-meter competition. Thanks to Martin, the track and field team placed sixth at NCAAs — the best finish in program history. He has earned records galore, taken a seemingly permanent residence on the podium and earned national attention for his efforts. Martin has undoubtedly been one of Virginia’s brightest stars.
Victoria Blankenship, Senior Writer: Although she has only been here for one season, senior forward Latasha Lattimore has made a name for herself within Virginia women’s basketball. Lattimore’s 23 points scored against then-No.8 North Carolina gave the team the energy they needed to upset the Tar Heels. On top of that, she earned more than 10 double-doubles in just one season. Lattimore dominated on the defensive end as well, tallying 69 blocks and 28 steals. She undoubtedly made the most of her limited time.
Ryan Weiner, Senior Writer: While the record of the women’s basketball team might not show it, sophomore guard Kymora Johnson has to be the MVP. She has found herself in the record books this season, becoming the second player to record a triple double in program history. She has also hit the 1,000 point mark this season and leads the team in points and assists. The program would be in a much darker place without Johnson’s dynamic play, as she lifts everyone else up around her and has kept the team in games they normally lose big in.
Theo Moll, Staff Writer: Let’s not overthink this. Senior swimmer Gretchen Walsh returned to Charlottesville from a multi-medal trip to the Paris Olympics this summer, and she picked up right where she left off. This season alone, Walsh set world records, took home seven ACC titles and received the conference’s “Most Valuable Swimmer” award for the second consecutive year. It’s easy to lose sight of Walsh on a team so incomprehensibly talented, but pundits should not overlook the most important piece on one of college athletics’ most dominant dynasties.
What was the most iconic moment of the 2024-25 winter sports season?
XT: While the men’s basketball team has certainly taken its lumps this year, there have been some fun highlights. In particular, I’ll go with junior guard Andrew Rohde deciding to ruin someone’s career with embarrassment. At Wake Forest Feb. 26, Rohde deployed a dastardly juke move — and the Demon Deacon defender was sent to the netherworld. Of course, the fact that Virginia went on to earn an impressive ACC road win was the cherry on top. Overall, the 2024-25 season was a productive one for Rohde, who stood out as one of Virginia’s most important contributors.
VB: It happened just recently when track and field competed at the ACC Indoor Championships March 3, bringing home multiple gold medals. Martin and senior Ethan Robinson each broke a school record — setting a new 5,000-meter and 1,000-meter best-time, respectively. Senior Margot Appleton had a similar moment in the women’s mile, and broke the ACC Championship Meet record. Track and field put together an impressive campaign this year, and dominating the ACC is a key reason why that happened.
RW: I’ll have to take the biggest crowd-pop at John Paul Jones Arena so far this year. Virginia toiled through its first losing season in over a decade, so the occasional highlight was even more meaningful. Despite men’s basketball’s big loss to No. 3 Duke, the crowd went wild when redshirt freshman forward Anthony Robinson met freshman guard Cooper Flagg at the rim and blocked the future top NBA Draft selection. This was a legacy moment in what has been a season of real improvement for Robinson.
TM: Johnson’s triple-double against Pittsburgh Feb. 16 is iconic not only for its rarity in Virginia Athletics history but also for its representation of the University’s growing commitment to women’s basketball. With the feat, Johnson joins a club containing only herself and Cavalier legend Dawn Staley. Looking at the 2024 calendar year overall, the program set an all-time attendance record and received a multi-million dollar donation. Virginia women’s basketball hopes to enter a golden age, and Johnson is in the driver’s seat.
Which winter sports program has the most to look forward to next year?
XT: Men’s swimming and diving. While the women’s team is center stage at all times — and rightfully so — the men are due for a sorely-needed breakout season next year. Fueled by a star-studded recruiting class that includes three of the top four high school swimmers, expect Virginia’s men to join the women’s team as national contenders.
VB: Women’s basketball. While their season has had a lot of ups and downs, Johnson and guard Breona Hurd are just a sophomore and freshman. With these two at the top, Virginia could drastically improve its offensive abilities. It is crucial, though, that the team finds a forward to step up in Lattimore’s place and takes advantage of that large donation.
RW: While the wrestling program will lose some big contributors like fifth-year Dylan Cedeno, the majority of their lineup will return and have a year to improve upon a 6-6 season. The current junior class is loaded with good wrestlers like Nick Hamilton, Jack and Michael Gioffre and Nick Sanko. Younger guys like sophomores Gable Porter and Michael Murphy will also take big leaps, and this team will likely have a shot to compete for an ACC title.
TM: Men’s basketball. Soon, the program will have a chance to do something it hasn’t done since October 2024 — slow down and stabilize. Soon, the whirlwind accompanying Tony Bennett’s sudden retirement will calm. Soon, the coach of the program will no longer be preceded by “Interim.” While it remains to be seen who will sport the orange and blue next year, including at the coaching level, Virginia will either work with an increasingly developed, comfortable roster or have an opportunity to start fresh. Both are a step in the right direction.
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